We're up to our sixth tip already, which means there are five others you may want to go back and read: Remodeling the Bathroom, Updating the Landscaping, Updating the Kitchen, Updating the Exterior, and Adding Another Room. Today's tip is for planning an addition where the family can relax and enjoy the great outdoors in Northbrook. 

I was going to call this Tip "Adding a Deck, Patio or Porch" but the more I got into it, the more I realized that that title might not be what those planning on selling their homes are interested in reading about. While adding a deck can be a beautiful step towards improving the sale of your home and making it attractive to buyers, a simple 16 x20 foot deck of pressure-treated wood can easily cost at least $11,000. This may be more than some sellers want to invest, especially when statistics show a recoup value of only 90%. 

Adding a deck is great idea for your family to enjoy, but if your intention is to sell soon, you might concentrate on enhancing the curb appeal of the whole outside of your home. If adding a deck or patio is your choice, go for it. But if you'd rather take a simpler, less expensive approach, try setting decorative planters full of wildly blooming annuals on existing porches. For courtyard areas, a gate, designer lighting and mature plants can make it into a very appealing feature. Check porch railings and steps for sags or chipped paint and fix them before the potential buyers arrive. For unsightly air conditioners or other utility boxes, a freshly-painted wooden trellis can beautifully put them out of sight. 

To sell your Northbrook home, visit the Marla Schneider Team. Marla and her team of agents have many more great tips for selling or buying in the Northbrook, Glenview and Wilmette areas.